How to Select the Right Chainsaw the First Time

A German physician invented a device similar to a modern day chainsaw in the early 1800’s. Although it was named a chain osteotome is was a basic mechanical chainsaw.
Fuel and electricity power chainsaws now. There will always be debate over the best chainsaw manufacturer. Professionals choose between manufacturers like pickup truck owners choose between Chevy, Ford, Dodge or Toyota. Most brands are professional grade and of high quality. Before purchasing a chainsaw, try similar models from equipment rental companies.
No longer are chainsaws the territory of professional loggers they have become a very common homeowner tool for performing basic landscaping. They are also used by:landscapers, firefighters, carpenters, arborists and others.
Determine the types of jobs that you want to do and this will be a factor in choosing the correct saw for your needs. In addition, figure out what you can physically handle. These are the two most important factors to be aware of before selecting the right chainsaw. Several major manufacturers make chainsaws, and they all have the same general construction. Chainsaws have different bar sizes, chain sizes and chains.

What Type of Jobs

Determine if you are going to be doing heavy or light chainsaw work. Heavy work is felling medium to large trees repeatedly and it may be your line of business. If your work is heavy then you will want the toughest chainsaw available. On the other hand, if you were going to be using a chainsaw to saw a few branches and small trees from time to time, then a lighter chainsaw would be a better choice. The knack is to forecast they types of work and projects that may require a chainsaw. If the jobs are small to moderate, a medium, sized chainsaw should work. For light homeowner work a small chainsaw with a small engine will prove suitable and require less repairs.

What Can You Handle

A larger chainsaw will be heavier, and therefore more difficult to manipulate. The more difficult a chainsaw is to manipulate, the more you risk physical injury and damage to property. Upper body strength is necessary even when using lighter chainsaws. Continuous sawing requires endurance. Repetitive motion injury is also a consideration. Vibration and noise are a constant.

Types of Chainsaws

Chainsaws are either gas or electric. Gas is provides power and electric provides convenience. Each type has benefits and shortcomings. Before selecting a chainsaw size determine what type, best fits your need.

Gas Chainsaws

Gas chainsaws are the leading types users own and are the most popular. Compared to an electric chainsaw a gas model is heavier and more costly to maintain. However, gas chainsaws are of different sizes and are more powerful. If you have access to fuel, your gas chainsaw is available, not so with one that depends on corded electricity.

Pros

• Portablity
• Power
• Safety chain break

Cons

• Noisy
• Exhaust fumes
• Maintenance service

Electric Chainsaws

An electric chainsaw does not have as much power as a gas chainsaw. On the other hand, they are less expensive, lighter and the maintenance costs are lower. Corded electric chainsaws are ideal for smaller homeowner jobs. They are lightweight and versatile but cannot tackle large cutting jobs. Battery powered chainsaws are even more portable than corded electric chainsaws. The only question is their battery life.

Pros

• Low noise
• No exhaust fumes
• Portablity
• Low maintenance costs

Cons

• Not powerful
• Limited options for more power
• Can only tackle small jobs

Pole Chainsaws

A pole saw is a chainsaw with its bar and chain attached to a telescoping extension pole. It cuts tree limbs that are too high to reach from the ground or cannot be safely reached with a ladder. Pole saws are gas, corded electric or cordless battery powered. The pole extensions may operate at lengths of 6 to 9 feet, and the cutting head can be angled for hard to reach cutting areas.

Chainsaw Engine Power Types

Gas Chainsaws

When you have determined the type of chainsaw that fits your needs then the next criteria is to determine the size of the chainsaw. If it is a gas chainsaw then there are various size engines, if it is an electric chainsaw engine size is not a criterion. Engine size is measured in terms of engine displacement, a measurement usually given in cubic centimeters (cc). Engine displacement refers to the volume of air that is displaced by an engine’s cylinders, which directly correlates with how much power is ultimately produced. Therefore, an engine with a larger displacement, a higher cc number, will be more powerful.

Electric Chainsaws

Amps measure an electric chainsaw’s power. Since electric receptacles are 15 Amps the ability to have a more powerful electric chainsaw is limited.

Battery Powered Chainsaws

Voltage (volts) is the measure of the power in a battery operated chainsaw. The more volts the more power the chainsaw has.

Guide to the Size of the Bar

Pick the Right Chainsaw Bar Guide

Trimming & Pruning, Light Cutting

Small Size Tree Cutting

Medium Size Tree Cutting

Firewood Cutting, Large Tree Cutting

Professional 20-in to 24-in bar

Good

Good

Best

Best

Heavy Duty 18-in to 20-in bar

Good

Good

Best

Good

Medium Duty 16-in to 18-in bar

Good

Best

Good

Do Not Use

Light Duty 8-in to 16–in bar

Best

Good

Do Not Use

Do Not Use

Electric

Best

Good

Do Not Use

Do Not Use

Guide to the Engine Size

Pick the Right Power

Project

Gas Chainsaw

Electric Chainsaw

Trimming & Pruning, Light Cutting

30cc

Small

Small Size Tree Cutting

30cc-40cc

Medium

Medium Size Tree Cutting

45cc >

Medium -Large

Firewood Cutting, Large Tree Cutting

40cc -50cc>

Not Recommended

Safety

Chainsaw safety is the first thing to learn before operating the tools. A chainsaw can be a dangerous tool if not used properly. Read the operation manual and do not presume to know everything there is to know about chainsaw operation.

Conclusion

A chainsaw is a portable saw that uses a chain to cut trees. Tree cutting is the primary function of a chainsaw. Chainsaws with specialty blades are used by emergency service personnel, for cutting concrete, as well as by chainsaw artists. Before buying a chainsaw assess your needs and purchase the tool that will serve the best purpose.